Anna Bogomazova (April 7, 1990) is a Russian kickboxer, martial artist, professional wrestler and valet. She was signed to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) competing in their developmental territory NXT, under the ring name Anya.
Early life[]
Bogomazova was born on 7 April 1990 in Voronezh, Russia. At the age of 5 she took up calisthenics, which she studied for seven years. Her parents insisted that she should quit because of her height. From 2003 till 2004, Anna was playing tennis. At the age of 14 she took up kickboxing. Her styles consist of kickboxing and taekwondo. She eventually earned her black belt in taekwondo.
While in Russia as a teen, she modeled and participated in beauty contests.
She graduated from the Voronezh Cooperative Institute and Voronezh State University with the qualifications of a lawyer and a translator in the field of professional communications.
Martial arts career[]
Kickboxing[]
Bogomazova began her career in competitive kickboxing in 2004 with Aleksei Dedov as her coach. She has placed second in the Kickboxing World Championship in 2006 and 2008. She has also placed first in the Kickboxing Russian Championship in 2008 and the Kickboxing World Cup in 2011.
Since November 2010, she has been training in the USA.
World Wrestling Entertainment (2012–2013)[]
NXT (2012–2013)[]
In August 2012, it was announced Bogomazova had signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and had already reported to its developmental territory NXT.
She made her in-ring debut in October 2012 during a divas Halloween battle royal at a NXT house show. During late 2012 and early 2013 she wrestled a series of matches against Charlotte at some NXT house shows.
In March 2013, she broke her arm. The injury required two surgeries over the period of a year as well as extensive therapy.
On May 17, 2013, it was announced she had been released from her contract.
In wrestling[]
- Nicknames
- "The Russian Bruiser"
